Teachers tell state Board of Education they want respect: 'Feels like I'm the gum on the bottom of everybody's shoes'

Cory Olsen | The Grand Rapids PressFrom left: Michigan Board of Education members Kathleen Straus, Marianne Yared McGuire and President John Austin listen to a presentation during a "listening and discussion" forum at GRCC Monday afternoon.

GRAND RAPIDS – Area teachers told state Board of Education members they'd like to be respected – but don't believe that's the case because of proposed reforms and public attitudes.

“In Michigan, as a teacher, I feel like I'm the gum on the bottom of everyone's shoes,” Grand Rapids Central High teacher Louis Wilson said.

Wilson was part of a string of about 50 teachers, administrators and community members attending Monday's forum at Grand Rapids Community College.

Board President John Austin, D-Ann Arbor, said the rare visit to West Michigan was a chance for members to collect feedback on proposed changes, but also to clear the air on some reforms already in place.

Most often misunderstood, he said, was the Michigan Merit Curriculum. Austin said that while the college preparatory plan calls for – among other things – four years of math, it doesn't stipulate that students take specific classes, or that the material be presented a certain way,

“We want to see that information conveyed,” he said. “But we don't care if a teacher is doing that upside down or sideways or in a gym or repairing a car engine. We want to see that creativity, and teachers to make the material come alive. Hearing the comments tonight reminds us we have a ways to go.”

Austin, who attended the session with board members Kathleen Staus and Marianne Yared McGuire, both Detroit Democrats, heard from teachers who said they have worries about plans to link evaluations to student achievement.

Several, some fighting back tears, said they would be held accountable for decisions made by administrators, or by the actions of students who are passed along before they master basic skills.

Jension teacher Rick Fink said that if is salary is linked to student performance, there is no incentive for him to take on those who are struggling.

Fink said he's seeing fewer young people heading into teachers, especially if there are fears that salaries and benefits will be cut.

Grand Rapids teacher Terry Gall said people criticize teacher health benefits, but he believes they are needed.

“We are a top five profession when it comes to being exposed to communicable diseases,” he said. “We need those good health benefits.”

Administrators, including Grand Rapids Superintendent Bernard Taylor, said the state needs to do more to help districts with those difficult students, especially those in alternative programs.

Taylor said he supports Gov. Snyder's approach of offering an education in a variety of ways, but that also means allowing some students more time to make up missed work, even as they move to colleges and need remedial services.

He also backs state support for increased use of “blended” classes, which mix online work and class time with a teacher. Grand Rapids dramatically expanded such classes this year – over protests of some teachers and parents.

“You'd of thought that the gates of hell were opened because I dared say there might be a different way to educate children,” he said.